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Jonathan Wade, a senior project manager for National Highways, advises avoiding travel altogether or finding activities to do at home, such as decorating the bathroom, during the first weekend closure of the M25.
The local community is calling the unexpected closure of the frequently congested highway “carmageddon”, as it could result in up to 100 cars per minute competing for room with weekend shoppers.
The circular highway surrounding London will be closed in both directions from junctions 10 to 11 in Surrey starting at 9pm on Friday, March 15 until 6am on Monday, March 18 for construction purposes “in order to enhance safety during travel and improve traffic movement”.
The main intersection on the southwest side of the motorway is Junction 10, connecting the M25 and A3 to Guildford and Portsmouth.
Up the junction: The M25-A3 intersection where much of the work will take place during the closure from 15 to 18 March
On average, the five-mile section of the M25 has a traffic flow of 6,000 vehicles per hour, which breaks down to approximately 100 cars, coaches, and trucks per minute during weekends.
National Highways has prescribed a diversionary route that more than doubles the five-mile distance between the two junctions and meanders through suburban shopping areas such as West Byfleet.
In an interview with The Independent’s travel podcast, Mr. Wade explained that the M25-A3 intersection, originally constructed in the 1980s, is unable to efficiently handle the current level of traffic flow.
He regretfully stated that the collision rate is extremely high.
The National Highways department is expanding the number of lanes to reduce traffic and accidents. However, this requires the demolition of a bridge.
According to Mr Wade, closing the bridge overnight would not allow for sufficient time to remove it. We also cannot partially demolish it and return the following night due to safety concerns and the potential of debris falling onto traffic during the day. Unfortunately, in this situation, we have no other options available.
“The upcoming weekend will not be visually pleasing as there are no alternative routes available. If possible, it is recommended to either refrain from traveling or find activities to do at home, such as decorating the bathroom or spending time in the garden.”
“If you need to leave, please consider taking the train, walking, or using a bicycle. I don’t have a preference for your mode of transportation. However, please try to avoid driving through the diversionary routes near Painshill, Byfleet, and West Byfleet on the eastern side of Woking. It is beneficial for your own sake.”
The National Highways authority is advising drivers to disregard their navigation systems if they suggest taking alternative routes. This is due to concerns that a large portion of north Surrey may become congested.
Mr. Wade promised that the scheduled reopening at 6am on Monday would follow through. “If, for any reason in the beginning stages, we encounter any issues with the plan, we have the capability to cancel the later stages.”
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Closing the M25 for an entire weekend is already a difficult task. To suggest that it should still be closed at 6am on a Monday morning is even more troubling. However, we have the capability to halt further work at later stages.
I am certain that the M25 will open by 6am at the latest.
The main garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, called Wisley, is conveniently located near Junction 10. The society would like to inform potential visitors that RHS Garden Wisley will strive to maintain regular operating hours and eagerly anticipates your visit.
Bus companies are informing passengers about potential delays and shortened routes.
National Express, which connects the UK’s two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, will continue to run services, though a spokesperson said: “Delays are expected and customers are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey.”
Passengers can make the trip from one airport to another using a train, with only one train transfer at Farringdon Station in the heart of London. The duration of this journey is approximately 90 minutes.
The upcoming shutdown of the M25 will be the initial of five planned closures that will take place on weekends throughout the year. National Highways will evaluate the impact of this weekend’s construction before determining future dates.
Listen to Simon Calder’s podcast on the M25 closure
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